Model guide · Elgin Hyundai
Which Hyundai Vehicles Have All-Wheel Drive?
This page started as a 2020 model year guide. Those SUVs are used cars now, so it covers both: which 2020 Hyundais came with AWD, and which new Hyundais offer it today.
Quick answer
For 2020, four Hyundai models offered all-wheel drive: the Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade. Venue, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Veloster and Ioniq were front-wheel drive only. For 2026, AWD is available on the Kona, Tucson (gas, hybrid and plug-in), Santa Fe (gas and hybrid), Palisade (V6 and hybrid), Santa Cruz, the Sonata SEL Sport, and the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 9 with dual motors.
2020 Hyundai models with AWD
| Model | Engine with AWD | EPA estimate, AWD | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kona | 2.0L (147 hp) or 1.6L turbo | 26 city / 30 highway / 28 combined (2.0L); 26 / 29 / 27 (1.6T) | Subcompact SUV; AWD optional on every trim |
| 2020 Tucson | 2.0L (161 hp) or 2.4L | 22 / 25 / 23 (2.0L); 21 / 26 / 23 (2.4L) | Compact SUV; AWD optional on every trim |
| 2020 Santa Fe | 2.4L (185 hp) or 2.0L turbo | 21 / 27 / 24 (2.4L); 20 / 26 / 22 (2.0T) | Two-row mid-size SUV |
| 2020 Palisade | 3.8L V6 (291 hp) | 19 / 24 / 21 | Three-row SUV, new for 2020; HTRAC AWD optional |
EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. Horsepower per Hyundai. Front-wheel drive only for 2020: Venue, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Veloster, Ioniq and Nexo.
Hyundai AWD models for 2026
| Model | AWD availability | System |
|---|---|---|
| Kona | Available (gas models) | HTRAC |
| Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-in Hybrid | Available | HTRAC |
| Santa Fe, Santa Fe Hybrid | Available | HTRAC |
| Palisade, Palisade Hybrid (all-new) | Available; standard on XRT PRO | HTRAC |
| Santa Cruz | Available | HTRAC |
| Sonata SEL Sport | Available (new for 2026) | HTRAC |
| IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9 | Available; standard on IONIQ 5 N | Dual-motor electric AWD |
| Venue, Elantra, Kona Electric, Sonata (other trims) | Front-wheel drive only |
From Hyundai's 2026 model year announcement and the 2026 Sonata specifications. Trim availability can change during the year; check the window sticker or ask us.
How Hyundai AWD works
HTRAC
Hyundai's mechanical all-wheel-drive system. It runs mostly in front-wheel drive and sends torque to the rear wheels when the front ones slip, or on demand through the drive mode. Some models add a lock mode for deep snow.
Electric AWD
IONIQ models with AWD use a second motor on the front axle instead of a driveshaft. Torque split is instant and software-controlled.
Winter reality
AWD helps you get moving and climb. It does not shorten stopping distance. Tires matter as much as the drivetrain; see tire pressure for your Hyundai.
Shopping a used 2020 AWD Hyundai
- Confirm the drivetrain on the window sticker or the vehicle listing; every 2020 AWD model was also sold in front-wheel drive.
- Expect 1 to 3 mpg less than the front-drive version of the same model.
- Ask for service records. AWD models have a rear differential and transfer case with their own fluid intervals.
- Check all four tires match. Mixed tread depths are hard on an AWD system.
Frequently asked questions
Which 2020 Hyundai vehicles have AWD?
The 2020 Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade. The Venue, Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Veloster, Ioniq and Nexo were front-wheel drive only.
Does the Hyundai Sonata come in AWD?
Starting with the 2026 model year, yes: the Sonata SEL Sport offers all-wheel drive. Earlier Sonatas are front-wheel drive.
Does the Hyundai Elantra have AWD?
No. The Elantra, Elantra Hybrid and Elantra N are front-wheel drive.
Is the Hyundai Venue available with AWD?
No. The Venue is front-wheel drive only.
What is HTRAC?
Hyundai's name for its all-wheel-drive system on gas and hybrid models. It is front-drive biased and sends power to the rear wheels when needed.
Find your AWD Hyundai at Elgin Hyundai
Filter inventory by drivetrain, or ask us which AWD model fits your winters.
Sources
Figures were checked against the sources below on October 13, 2026. Availability by trim changes during a model year.
- 2020 Hyundai Kona fuel economy, U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov
- 2020 Hyundai Tucson fuel economy, U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov
- 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe fuel economy, U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov
- 2020 Hyundai Palisade fuel economy, U.S. EPA and DOE, fueleconomy.gov
- Hyundai Announces 2026 Model Year Changes (news release), Hyundai Motor America
- 2026 Sonata specifications and features, Hyundai Motor America
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